The project received support from the government led by Jaume Collboni, Junts per Barcelona, the PP, and Vox, while Barcelona en Comú and ERC voted against it, highlighting the political division over the city's commercial model. The establishment is located in the former central headquarters of BBVA in Barcelona.
With this approval, the surface area dedicated to commerce will increase from the current 2,324 m² to 3,779.83 m², an increase of 1,455 m². This expansion, which exceeds 2,500 m² of sales space, mandated the processing of the Special Urban Plan, although the final approved figure is lower than initially proposed.
Operations like this are not neutral for the city's commercial model, as they go against the preservation of local neighborhood commerce.
Opposition groups, especially Barcelona en Comú, criticized the logistical impact, noting that the expansion could generate 1,800 more people daily and an increase in loading and unloading activities. Councilwoman Lucía Martín suggested that the government should demand “compensation” for the externalities generated.
The expansion means the establishment, which opened in late 2016 and is considered one of the largest Zara stores globally, will occupy the third floor of the building, totaling five commercial floors. The building was acquired by Amancio Ortega in 2013.
